Ministry for the Long Haul

As kids, we loved shooting bottle rockets. I have fond memories of being outside, watching the bottle rocket soar high into the air before quickly coming back to the ground. In youth ministry, I believe we are seeing "bottle rocket leaders"—leaders who rise quickly and perform exceptionally well in their first few years of ministry but eventually fizzle out and leave.

The church doesn’t need bottle rocket leaders. It needs youth leaders who are resilient and capable of navigating the challenges of ministry with grace and wisdom. The church needs leaders who are committed for the long haul.

The Fuller Youth Institute released a study this year about burnout in youth workers, revealing that many youth leaders are exhausted and depleted. You may even be feeling that right now, and I want to assure you: you are not alone. The Lord knows you, sees you, and can sustain you for a long, healthy ministry.

No one enters ministry expecting to burn out, but it often happens gradually. It’s a slow fade, as we develop bad habits and lose the key support systems that sustain us. Here are four essential things you need to remain in ministry for the long haul:

1. HAVE A MENTOR

Lack of a support system is a recipe for disaster. While having friends is important, you also need a strong, healthy mentor—someone with proven leadership who can guide and support you through the challenges of ministry. Mentors can often see things in you that you might not recognize and use their experiences to help you avoid pitfalls in your own life.

Most likely, no one will approach you and offer to be your mentor. You will need the courage to seek out someone and invite them into a mentoring relationship with you. Look for a mentor who:

• Is older and wiser – Someone ahead of you in life and ministry who can help you navigate challenges with grace and wisdom.
• Is honest – You don’t need a “yes” person. You need someone who will tell you the truth about your weaknesses and genuinely want the best for you.
• Has experience – A mentor should be a proven developer of people.
• Is willing and available – Ensure your mentor has the time and heart to invest in you intentionally.
• Is outside of your church (if possible) – While not always feasible, having a mentor outside your church allows you to be open about struggles without bias or fear of your church knowing.

          Want to last in ministry? Find a mentor.

2. HAVE A CONFESSION PARTNER

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” John 10:10

There is an enemy who wants to destroy you, your family, and your ministry. One of his primary tactics is convincing you that living in the dark is better than living in the light.

Many pastors who have had moral failures didn’t start out that way. Their downfall began with small, unconfessed sins that grew into devastating ones. The enemy deceived them into believing secrecy was better than transparency.

If you want longevity in ministry, you need a confessional partner or group where you can be completely honest about your sin struggles without fear of judgment. Find someone who will listen, challenge you, and consistently point you to the gospel.

You will never be free from sin until you learn to be honest about it. Find a trusted person who loves you—not just as a pastor, but as a friend. Let them speak truth into your life.

3. HAVE AN OUTLET

Early in ministry, I used to think, “If I can just get through this season, things will slow down,” or “If I hire the right person, my stress will disappear.” But I’ve learned that ministry pressure never completely goes away. That’s why you need an outlet—a healthy way to relieve stress. (Yes, there are unhealthy ways, and those often lead to moral failure.)

Think about activities you enjoy that can serve as an outlet. It could be working out, playing disc golf, playing guitar, taking a walk with your family, hiking, or exploring new restaurants.

Most likely, you got into youth ministry because it was fun. Somewhere along the way, we forget to have fun ourselves. If you want longevity in ministry, find an outlet that helps you have fun!

4. HAVE A PLAN FOR YOUR HEALTH

Physical, emotional, and spiritual health are critical for longevity in ministry. Healthy leaders create healthy ministries, while unhealthy leaders create unhealthy ministries.

We don’t talk about physical health enough. Simply put: if you don’t take care of your body, you may not be able to complete the assignment God has given you. Poor eating habits, lack of exercise, and insufficient sleep lead to exhaustion and burnout. Your body is a gift from God, so take care of it. Unchecked health issues can shorten your ministry and lead to an early exit.

Emotional and spiritual health are just as important. Spend time daily resting in the Lord. Set aside specific time alone—without your phone, computer, or distractions—to experience true solitude with Jesus. Consider taking a weekly Sabbath, a day free from ministry-related tasks, to recharge.

You won’t be healthy by accident. Be intentional about your physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Create a plan, talk to your spouse, and commit to it.

Conclusion

Ministry is hard, and it’s not getting any easier. If we want to be resilient leaders, we first need Jesus to sustain us. But there are also practical steps we can take to ensure longevity in ministry.

I pray that you will stay in ministry for the long haul, and that when your time is done, your legacy will be one of resilience and faithfulness.

Share your thoughts with others in our YM360 community:

1. Want to check out the Fuller Youth Institute report on youth leader burnout? Follow this link: https://fulleryouthinstitute.org/burnout
2. Which of the four ways resonated with you the most? Which one do you need to implement today?
3. On a scale of 1 to 10, how close are you to burnout? What steps do you need to take to get healthy?